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'Dancing with the Stars’ pro Val Chmerkovskiy suspended
Val Chmerkovskiy will miss an upcoming episode of Dancing With the Stars after the professional dancer was suspended for a week over a controversial social media post directed at judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
The decision follows an online dispute that began after Inaba criticized a performance by Chmerkovskiy’s wife, fellow professional dancer Jenna Johnson. The exchange sparked backlash among viewers and prompted the show’s production company, BBC Studios, to address the comment publicly.
Chmerkovskiy will not perform during Tuesday’s October 20 episode, leaving his celebrity partner, actress Jenna Dewan, to take the ballroom floor with another professional dancer.
What Led to the Suspension?
The controversy began during the October 13 episode of Dancing With the Stars, when Johnson and her celebrity partner, actor Harry Shum Jr., performed a samba during the show’s Super Bowl-themed night.
Inaba praised aspects of the routine but questioned a lift that she said violated the competition’s rules. Johnson appeared surprised by the criticism, and the discussion continued after the live broadcast.
The following day, Chmerkovskiy posted a comment on TikTok that appeared to reference the 2022 Academy Awards incident in which actor Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock onstage. Chmerkovskiy wrote, “You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night,” a remark many viewers interpreted as an inappropriate reference to physical retaliation against Inaba.
The post was later deleted, but screenshots and reactions continued circulating online. The comment drew criticism from viewers who argued that a judge should be able to offer feedback without being subjected to language that could be interpreted as threatening.
BBC Studios Explains Its Decision
BBC Studios, which produces Dancing With the Stars, confirmed the suspension in a statement.
“The well-being of everyone who works on Dancing with the Stars is non-negotiable,” the company said, adding that Chmerkovskiy’s social media post was inappropriate and did not reflect the values or standards expected of people associated with the show.
The company said he would not participate in the following week’s episode.
The disciplinary action marks an unusual moment for the long-running competition, where professional dancers and judges regularly engage in spirited discussions about choreography, technique and scoring. The suspension underscores the production’s position that disagreements should not cross the line into comments that could be perceived as intimidating.
Chmerkovskiy Apologizes for His Remarks
Chmerkovskiy addressed the suspension in a statement shared on Instagram. He acknowledged that he made a poor decision while trying to defend his wife and said he had not fully considered how the reference could be interpreted.
He expressed regret for the post, clarified that he did not intend to hurt or threaten Inaba and said he had personally reached out to apologize to her.
His response came after the comment generated widespread discussion among fans of the show. While some viewers understood that he was reacting emotionally to criticism of Johnson, others said the reference was inappropriate regardless of his intention.
The incident has also renewed discussion about the distinction between defending a partner and publicly targeting someone who is doing their job.
Alan Bersten Steps In for Dedication Night
With Chmerkovskiy sitting out the October 20 broadcast, professional dancer Alan Bersten is stepping in to dance with Dewan during the show’s Dedication Night.
The episode will feature performances inspired by people and places that hold personal significance for the remaining celebrity contestants. Dewan and Bersten are scheduled to perform a Viennese waltz to “Unchained Melody.”
Bersten’s temporary role allows Dewan to continue competing while Chmerkovskiy serves his suspension. Chmerkovskiy has encouraged viewers to support the show and his partner rather than allowing the controversy to overshadow the performances.
The Show Moves Forward Amid the Controversy
The dispute has placed attention on the relationship between professional dancers and judges, particularly when criticism involves a spouse or close colleague. Inaba’s role requires her to evaluate performances according to the competition’s rules, while dancers must respond to that feedback within the boundaries set by the production.
Johnson has acknowledged the discussion surrounding the lift and said she would take the feedback into account. The controversy has nevertheless extended beyond the technical question of the routine to the broader issue of how participants communicate with one another publicly.
Chmerkovskiy’s suspension is temporary, and reports indicate he is expected to return for the October 27 episode, subject to the competition’s circumstances. For now, the show will proceed with its scheduled performances while the dancer takes responsibility for the consequences of his social media post.
Source: GMA
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